Many personal injury claims involve devastating injuries. Amputations involve not only physical injuries, but also emotional and psychological ones that come with losing a limb. Texas personal injury attorneys experienced in amputation claims work hard to ensure these victims are fairly compensated for the injuries they have endured.
What Causes Amputation Injuries?
In many accidents, a limb is torn from the body and is unable to be reattached. In other instances, surgical amputation may be necessary to save someone’s life. Common causes of amputation injuries include:
Traffic Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, and motorcycle accidents may all involve amputation injuries. Limbs may be crushed in an accident and may require surgical removal, or the sheer force of an impact may rip a limb from the body.
On-the-Job Accidents
Many Texas residents work in dangerous jobs where on-the-job accidents can occur. Factory workers, for example, may suffer amputation injuries if their limbs are caught in heavy machinery. Those who work around dangerous chemicals may require amputation if a major spill occurs.
Medical Malpractice
The failure to diagnose or treat certain conditions, such as infections or diabetes, may cause serious damage to the extremities. In some cases, the damage due to medical malpractice is so severe that amputation is required.
Premises Liability Claims
Premises liability claims may be filed when someone is injured on someone else’s property. If a dangerous condition is present on the property that causes serious injuries, the injured victim may be entitled to compensation.
These are just a few examples of claims that involve amputation injuries.
Damages in an Amputation Injury Claim
In an amputation injury claim, a variety of damages may be possible. The purpose of damages is to make a plaintiff financially “whole” again after suffering an injury. Damages may include:
- Medical expenses, including the cost of any future medical care that may be required
- The cost of in-home health aides
- Medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and robotic limbs
- The cost of installing wheelchair ramps and other accommodations in a home
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of employment benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
Other types of damages may also be available. An experienced Texas personal injury attorney will help claimants present all evidence of the damages they have incurred so that they maximize the amount of compensation they are entitled to under the law.
The Statute of Limitations for Texas Personal Injury Claims
No matter what type of injury a victim has suffered, the statute of limitations in a Texas personal injury claim is the same. The statute of limitations is the deadline by which a legal claim must be filed. The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of case.
If a claim is not filed within the applicable statute of limitations, it will likely be dismissed. This means that the victim will not be entitled to any compensation from the defendant. The victim will be entirely responsible for medical bills and other expenses that he has incurred.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of the incident.
Hiring an Attorney is Essential in Amputation Injury Claims
Amputation injuries are unique in nature. They may require lifelong medical treatment and may have a lasting emotional impact on the victim. Some cases involve multiple defendants, and establishing liability may be a challenge.
Therefore, it is best to hire an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after suffering an amputation injury. These attorneys will be able to begin working on your claim immediately to build your case and ensure that your legal interests are protected.
At Brooker Law, PLLC, Our Injury Attorneys Are Experienced in Amputation Claims
The Dallas, Texas personal injury attorneys at Brooker Law, PLLC are experienced in catastrophic personal injury claims, including those that involve amputations. To schedule a free consultation with our firm, contact or call (214) 217-0277 today.